Nakia, Wakandan OperativeHow it works & interactions with other cards

Claiming the Throne

Nakia features a triggered ability that rewards you for casting your commander. Whenever your commander enters the battlefield, you become the monarch. This introduces the monarch mechanic to the game if it isn't already present. As the monarch, you draw a card at the beginning of your end step, but be careful—if an opponent deals combat damage to you, they will take the title from you.

Strengthening the Frontline

Beyond her royal connections, Nakia can empower your army. By paying two mana and tapping her, you can place two +1/+1 counters on a target creature or Vehicle. Note that this ability can only be activated as a sorcery, meaning during your main phase when the stack is empty. Because she has Reach, she is also an excellent blocker against flying threats while she waits to use her activation.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When your commander enters the battlefield, Nakia's ability triggers and goes on the stack. Once it resolves, you become the monarch. For her activated ability, you first choose a legal target (a creature or a Vehicle). You then pay the cost of two mana and tap Nakia. Upon resolution, the target receives two permanent +1/+1 counters. If the target is a Vehicle, it does not need to be crewed to receive the counters, and they will remain on it even when it stops being a creature.

Strategic Timing

Timing is crucial with Nakia. Since her buffing ability is sorcery speed, you cannot use it as a combat trick to surprise an opponent during their turn. However, because she provides Reach, you can often discourage opponents from attacking you to steal the monarch status. Use her ability early in your turn to maximize the benefit of the power boost before moving to your combat phase.

Interaction examples

Bolstering the Automaton

Solemn Simulacrum

After you play Solemn Simulacrum and search for your land, you can spend two mana and tap Nakia, Wakandan Operative to put two +1/+1 counters on it. This turns your 2/2 utility creature into a more formidable 4/4 attacker or blocker while you maintain your status as the monarch.

Pre-Sacrifice Power

Sakura-Tribe Elder

If you have Nakia on the battlefield and play Sakura-Tribe Elder, you could choose to put counters on the Elder to make it a 3/3 blocker for a turn. However, if you decide to sacrifice the Elder to find a land, the counters will be lost. It is usually better to use Nakia's ability on a creature you plan to keep on the battlefield long-term.